Hello from the UK

thorngrove · Apr 3, 2012

Hi everyone,

My name's is Tina and I'm an IT technical author working in London, England. A couple of years ago I went on a truly excellent soapmaking workshop with Melinda Coss on cold process soapmaking. Due to spare time constraints I've only made half a dozen soaps since then - mostly lavender, by order of my family & friends! - but really enjoyed doing so.

Last weekend I tried out the hot process using Alicia Grosso's "The Everything Soapmaking Book" and liked the rustic-looking result (at least I assume it's supposed to look that way) and the immediately useable aspect certainly doesn't hurt!

Anyway, I came across this forum when I was checking out links on digital pH meters (anyone have any recommendations? I have Litmus papers and phenolphthalein but am still a bit wary of the accuracy of those methods), and was happy to find a community of soap experts and enthusiasts.

Looking forward to receiving advice and inspiration from you all.

Cheers - Tina

Hazel · Apr 3, 2012

Hi Tina,

Welcome to the forum!

Soapmaking is addicting, isn't it? Yes, HP is supposed to look rustic although some people don't like the rough texture of it. There is a discussion about how to make HP look smoother. You might have already seen it but here's the link.

http://soapmakingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31082

HP can be used right away but it's not at it's best. A curing time will help make the bar harder so it will last longer and the soap will be milder. I generally allow mine to cure for 4 weeks.

IrishLass · Apr 4, 2012

Welcome, Tina!

IrishLass

TheGrapplingSoaper · Apr 5, 2012

Me too!

I went to Melinda's class as well, tho it was some time last autumn. Once I go back to London, I wanna go to one of her other classes as well. She really knows what she's doing. I guess that makes you my senpai!

thorngrove · Apr 14, 2012

Thank you all for the welcome!

Hazel: I do quite like the look of the HP soap but ta for the link, I'll try out those tips. I must admit I felted that batch, as I received a bag of gorgeous multi-purple wool roving I was dying to try out and it was somewhat appropriately lavender scented.

TheGrapplingSoaper: LOL! I guess so! I'd like to do the liquid soap course myself. Maybe as a birthday present to myself later this year...

fiddletree · Apr 15, 2012

Welcome!

I have an extech pH meter, but I don't use it for soap, I use it for lotions and shampoos and such. And cheese. For soap, I find the zap test to be easier, and just as accurate.